(a) In this article: (1) "Drone" means an unmanned aircraft, watercraft, or ground vehicle or a robotic device that: (A) is controlled remotely by a human operator; or. June 17, 2011. (b) The geographical area that is subject to designation under Subsection (a) of this article may include only the private institution's campus area and an area that: (1) is adjacent to the campus of the private institution; (2) does not extend further than a distance of one mile from the perimeter of the campus of the private institution; and. 85, Sec. 2143), Sec. 24.001(3), eff. 4, eff. September 1, 2005. 2.1395. (a) The governor may appoint an authenticating officer, in accordance with Subsection (b) of this article, and delegate to that officer the power to sign for the governor or to use the governor's facsimile signature for signing any document that does not have legal effect under this code unless it is signed by the governor. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Art. Sept. 1, 1981. (i) The director of the department and the executive director of the commission shall have the authority to promulgate rules necessary for the effective administration and performance of the duties and responsibilities delegated to them by this article. WHEN COMPLAINT IS MADE. DPS Surcharges; DWI Blood Testing; Police officers may work for city, county, state or federal law enforcement agencies throughout the state. 686 (H.B. 3389), Sec. Art. Texas has Constitutional Carry which allows any citizen who is not barred from owning firearms to carry a handgun (concealed or open carried in a hip or chest holster) without a license, insurance, or any required training. 1, eff. 685, Sec. 1319 (S.B. (4) on or after the first anniversary of the date of the death of a defendant. 291, Sec. Art. February 28, 2023, 5:24 PM AUSTIN, Texas -- Family members of victims killed in the Uvalde school shooting confronted Texas' police chief Tuesday in an emotional end to a day of protests at the state Capitol over gun laws. (b) A law enforcement agency is not required to perform a duty imposed by Subsection (a) with respect to a person who has provided proof that the person is a citizen of the United States or that the person has lawful immigration status in the United States, such as a Texas driver's license or similar government-issued identification. 544, Sec. 209 (H.B. If a district or county attorney receives money from a person who is required by a court order to pay child support through a local registry or the Title IV-D agency and the money is presented to the attorney as payment for the court-ordered child support, the attorney shall transfer the money to the local registry or Title IV-D agency designated as the place of payment in the child support order. (g) On a finding by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement that the chief administrator of a law enforcement agency intentionally failed to submit a report required under Subsection (b), the commission shall begin disciplinary procedures against the chief administrator. 863, Sec. (b) It is the duty of the trial court, the attorney representing the accused, the attorney representing the state and all peace officers to so conduct themselves as to insure a fair trial for both the state and the defendant, not impair the presumption of innocence, and at the same time afford the public the benefits of a free press. 19, Sec. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON USE OF FORCE BY DRONE. Whenever a duty is imposed upon the clerk of the district or county court, the same may be lawfully performed by his deputy. (e) relettered from subsec. 2.07. WRIT OF ATTACHMENT REPORTING. 62, Sec. Art. Art. (e) A person may not serve as a railroad peace officer for a railroad company unless: (1) the Texas Railroad Association submits the person's application for appointment and certification as a railroad peace officer to the director of the Department of Public Safety and to the executive director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; (2) the director of the department issues the person a certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer; and, (3) the executive director of the commission determines that the person meets minimum standards required of peace officers by the commission relating to competence, reliability, education, training, morality, and physical and mental health and issues the person a license as a railroad peace officer; and. (d) The use of a digital signature under this section is subject to criminal laws pertaining to fraud and computer crimes, including Chapters 32 and 33, Penal Code. 891), Sec. September 1, 2017. You can talk on your non-handsfree phone while driving in Texas, but that doesn't mean you can't be cited for distracted driving if you're texting and driving. This law went into effect in May of 2017. 2. 933 (H.B. (9) whether the officer used physical force that resulted in bodily injury, as that term is defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, during the stop. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. Text of article as added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 2130), Sec. 854, Sec. Police Need Probable Cause to Pull You Over Police cannot simply stop you for no reason. September 1, 2019. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. May 24, 1977; Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 1082, ch. (e) Subsection (d) does not prevent a peace officer from: (1) conducting a separate investigation of any other alleged criminal offense; or. (2) "Race or ethnicity" has the meaning assigned by Article 2.132(a). September 1, 2015. DISQUALIFIED. (g) added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 114, Sec. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. (3) the types of documents on which the authenticating officer is authorized to use the governor's facsimile signature. September 1, 2021. 1, eff. 684, Sec. To effect this purpose, the officer shall use all lawful means. September 1, 2021. 1758), Sec. 1728), Sec. 1849), Sec. (b) The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish a comprehensive education and training program on eyewitness identification, including material regarding variables that affect a witness's vision and memory, practices for minimizing contamination, and effective eyewitness identification protocols. 1, eff. (a) On receipt of a report that is assigned the highest priority in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Family and Protective Services under Section 261.301(d), Family Code, and that alleges an immediate risk of physical or sexual abuse of a child that could result in the death of or serious harm to the child by a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child, a peace officer from the appropriate local law enforcement agency shall investigate the report jointly with the department or with the agency responsible for conducting an investigation under Subchapter E, Chapter 261, Family Code. (3) state that the eligible exhibit will be disposed of unless a written request is received by the clerk before the 31st day after the date of notice. 686), Sec. 655 (H.B. 580 (S.B. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 4.01, eff. Art. 2702), Sec. (d) added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. When any criminal proceeding is had before an examining court in his district or before a judge upon habeas corpus, and he is notified of the same, and is at the time within his district, he shall represent the State therein, unless prevented by other official duties. (c) The data collected as a result of the reporting requirements of this article shall not constitute prima facie evidence of racial profiling. Learn about the police search and seizure laws for each state and what police can and cannot do. Long guns, including shotguns and rifles, do not require a license to carry in public in. A police officer, sometimes called a peace officer in Texas, is a government employee who protects the lives and properties of citizens, maintains order and helps prevent crimes by enforcing laws. (c) A district court, county court, state agency, or office of an attorney representing the state may not restrict or delay the reproduction or delivery of a record requested by the Attorney General under this article. (a) A commissioned peace officer of a state of the United States of America adjoining this state, while the officer is in this state, has under this subsection the same powers, duties, and immunities as a peace officer of this state who is acting in the discharge of an official duty, but only: (A) the peace officer from the adjoining state has physical custody of an inmate or criminal defendant and is transporting the inmate or defendant from a county in the adjoining state that is on the border between the two states to a hospital or other medical facility in a county in this state that is on the border between the two states; or, (B) the peace officer has physical custody of the inmate or defendant and is returning the inmate or defendant from the hospital or facility to the county in the adjoining state; and, (A) maintain physical custody of the inmate or defendant while transporting the inmate or defendant; or. CIVIL PENALTY. 503, Sec. 2.136. Authority figures including police officers, judges, security guards, mayors, city council members, and members of Congress must abide by the color of law. 107, Sec. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. POWER OF DEPUTY CLERKS. 228, Sec. 1, eff. 1124 (H.B. 1223 (S.B. 2210), Sec. . June 18, 2005. (i) If a request is not received by a clerk covered by Subsection (g) before the 31st day after the date of notice, the clerk may dispose of the eligible exhibit in the manner permitted by this article, including the delivery of the eligible exhibit for disposal as surplus or salvage property as described by Subsection (f). 3815), Sec. VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ARRESTS FOR INTOXICATION OFFENSES. 34 (S.B. 1571), Sec. 85th Legislature, 2017. 1215), Sec. Art. Termination of employment with a railroad company, or the revocation of a railroad peace officer license, shall constitute an automatic revocation of a certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer. 26, eff. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 794, Sec. September 1, 2009. 2.133. 2.01, eff. (b) An electronically transmitted document issued or received by a court or a clerk of the court in a criminal matter is considered signed if a digital signature is transmitted with the document. The form must include spaces to report only the following information: (1) the date on which the incident occurred; (2) the location where the incident occurred; (3) the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of each peace officer involved in the incident; (4) if known, the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of each injured or deceased person involved in the incident; (5) whether the person was injured or died as a result of the incident; (6) whether each injured or deceased person used, exhibited, or was carrying a deadly weapon during the incident; (7) whether each peace officer involved in the incident was on duty during the incident; (8) whether each peace officer involved in the incident was responding to an emergency call or a request for assistance and, if so, whether the officer responded to that call or request with one or more other peace officers; and. 808 (H.B. Aug. 29, 1977. May 2, 2013. (d) A person may not serve as a school marshal unless the person is: (1) licensed under Section 1701.260, Occupations Code; and. (a) In this article: (1) "Motor vehicle stop" has the meaning assigned by Article 2.132(a). Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. June 17, 2011. 3.01, eff. (c) Each law enforcement agency shall require each peace officer who is employed by the agency and who performs eyewitness identification procedures to complete the education and training described by Subsection (b). 1, eff. 4173), Sec. (d) A peace officer serving as an adjunct police officer has all the rights, privileges, and immunities of a peace officer but is not entitled to state compensation and retirement benefits normally provided by the state to a peace officer. Art. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 2.09. WHO ARE MAGISTRATES. 339, Sec. September 1, 2019. Call his office today at 832-752-5972. 531, Sec. 580 (S.B. 5, eff. September 1, 2009. Municipal police. 950 (S.B. So, for example, lawsuits over amounts of less than $15,000 might be limited to a lower trial court, while claims above that amount will go to another. 1, eff. 2.251. 907, Sec. (e) A Special Agent or Law Enforcement Officer of the United States Forest Service is not a peace officer under the laws of this state, except that the agent or officer has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as to any offense under the laws of this state committed within the National Forest System. 717, Sec. 659, Sec. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 2.17. 467 (H.B. 853, Sec. (i) This article does not affect any duty of the municipality or county to provide law enforcement services to a geographical area designated under Subsection (a) of this article. Section 1609. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, see other Art. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. As soon as possible after being notified by the department of the report, but not later than 24 hours after being notified, the peace officer shall accompany the department investigator in initially responding to the report. (b) A peace officer who investigates the alleged commission of an offense listed under Subsection (a) shall prepare a written report that includes the information required under Article 5.05(a). (a) In this article: (A) a firearm or any object manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or. 4 (S.B. 3389), Sec. 2. These are your city police officers and are directed by your local governments. 1276, Sec. Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. DALLAS - Governor Greg Abbott signed a handful of bills into law on Monday, including a measure that will bring reform to police practices in Texas. September 1, 2007. Aug. 31, 1987. (2) information relating to each complaint filed with the agency alleging that a peace officer employed by the agency has engaged in racial profiling. (a) The Department of Public Safety shall adopt rules for providing funds or video and audio equipment to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment in law enforcement motor vehicles and motorcycles or equipping peace officers with body worn cameras, including specifying criteria to prioritize funding or equipment provided to law enforcement agencies. Art. September 1, 2021. 341), Sec. 2472), Sec. (a) If the chief administrator of a local law enforcement agency intentionally fails to submit the incident-based data as required by Article 2.134, the agency is liable to the state for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for each violation. 1, eff. Section 545.305 of the TTC is pretty lengthy so we'll just go over the main causes that would permit Texas police to tow your vehicle, including: If the vehicle is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway; or if it's in a tube ortunnel that results in the obstruction of traffic 2.11. September 1, 2009. 390), Sec. Slow down and move the vehicle safely to the right of the road. 1, eff. (c) It is the duty of every officer to take possession of a child under Article 63.009(g). 1, eff. 1, eff. 272, Sec. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. (2) not later than January 1 of each even-numbered year, submit the policy to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement in the manner prescribed by the commission. Distracted driving. Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. If available, park on the right shoulder or, if unavailable, park on a nearby well-lighted side street Money collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund. 1233), Sec. 2, eff. Lawyers for the clinics argue that a six-week abortion ban is clearly unconstitutional, and that the Texas law is designed to insulate the state from a challenge. (18) a police officer with the Office of Security and Law Enforcement of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. Statutes of limitation. Texas Laws Texas Transportation Code Texas Administrative Code Seatbelts Passenger or Commercial vehicle Size Extended loads Length Width Height How to measure length? 467 (H.B. 4, Sec. Amended by Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 1734, ch. 1, eff. 1341 (S.B. 800), Sec. 111), Sec. 1, eff. NEGLECT OF DUTY. REPORT REQUIRED CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES. (c) For purposes of Subsection (b), an electronic recording of a custodial interrogation is complete only if the recording: (1) begins at or before the time the person being interrogated enters the area of the place of detention in which the custodial interrogation will take place or receives a warning described by Section 2(a), Article 38.22, whichever is earlier; and. Sept. 1, 1975; Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 618, ch. A censure Saturday, March 4 . Art. Art. Keep your hands where the police can see them. 2, p. 317, ch. 3, eff. June 19, 1993; Subsec. (e) Any person commissioned under this article must: (1) meet the minimum standards required of peace officers by the commission relating to competence, reliability, education, training, morality, and physical and mental health; and. If the peace officer does not take temporary possession of the child, the officer shall obtain the child's current address and any other relevant information and report that information to the Department of Family and Protective Services. The criteria must give priority to: (1) law enforcement agencies that employ peace officers whose primary duty is traffic enforcement; (3) municipal and county law enforcement agencies. The peace officer who has summoned any person to assist him in performing any duty shall report such person, if he refuse to obey, to the proper district or county attorney, in order that he may be prosecuted for the offense. September 1, 2017. The attorney general may sue to collect a civil penalty under this subsection. (b) A judge of a court in which a district or county attorney represents the State shall declare the district or county attorney disqualified for purposes of Article 2.07 on a showing that the attorney is the subject of a criminal investigation by a law enforcement agency if that investigation is based on credible evidence of criminal misconduct for an offense that is within the attorney's authority to prosecute. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1311 (H.B. Art. September 1, 2017. (a) In this article: (1) "Electronic recording" means an audiovisual electronic recording, or an audio recording if an audiovisual electronic recording is unavailable, that is authentic, accurate, and unaltered. 646), Sec. 341), Sec. 176 (S.B. 1011 (H.B. (b) At any time during or after a criminal proceeding, the court reporter shall release for safekeeping any firearm or contraband received as an exhibit in that proceeding to: (2) in a county with a population of 500,000 or more, the law enforcement agency that collected, seized, or took possession of the firearm or contraband or produced the firearm or contraband at the proceeding. (f) For good cause, the director of the department may revoke a certificate of authority issued under this article and the executive director of the commission may revoke a license issued under this article. 2, eff. 950 (S.B. (B) any object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. 808 (H.B. 2, eff. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) any criminal offense under federal law. Art. Although in older studies the State Police have been described as . 2.295. 2, eff. For the purpose mentioned in the two preceding Articles, district and county attorneys are authorized to administer oaths. 1. 4.01, eff. Art. 1, eff. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 156, Sec. 1, eff. State courts have general jurisdiction, meaning that they can hear any controversy except those prohibited by state law (some states, for example, deny subject matter jurisdiction for a case that does not involve state citizens and did not take place in the state) and those allocated to federal courts of exclusive jurisdiction such as bankruptcy 1, eff. 4, eff. In addition to performing duties required by Article 2.21, a clerk of a district or county court in which an affirmative finding under Article 42.014 is requested shall report that request to the Texas Judicial Council, along with a statement as to whether the request was granted by the court and, if so, whether the affirmative finding was entered in the judgment in the case. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. DUTY OF MAGISTRATES. 2.33. (b) Each law enforcement agency that uses or intends to use a drone for law enforcement purposes shall: (1) adopt a written policy regarding the agency's use of force by means of a drone, before the agency first uses a drone, and update the policy as necessary; and. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. The bond may be sued on from time to time in the name of the person injured until the whole amount is recovered. 154, Sec. 11, eff. 974, Sec. September 1, 2007. 1, eff. (a) The director of the Department of Public Safety may appoint up to 50 special rangers who are employed by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to aid law enforcement agencies in the investigation of the theft of livestock or related property. Art. 681 (S.B. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Art. (a) District and county attorneys shall not be of counsel adversely to the State in any case, in any court, nor shall they, after they cease to be such officers, be of counsel adversely to the State in any case in which they have been of counsel for the State. June 19, 2009. Aug. 28, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 4173), Sec. September 1, 2017. (d) A commissioned law enforcement officer of the National Park Service is not a peace officer under the laws of this state, except that the officer has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as to any offense under the laws of this state committed within the boundaries of a national park or national recreation area. Art. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 604), Sec. 580 (S.B. Art. (b) Not later than the 30th day after the date of the occurrence of an incident described by Subsection (a), the law enforcement agency employing the injured or deceased officer at the time of the incident must complete and submit a written or electronic report, using the form created under that subsection, to the office of the attorney general. Aug. 31, 1987; Subsecs. 34), Sec. 2, eff. May 18, 2013. September 1, 2017. (a) In a criminal proceeding, a clerk of the district or county court shall: (2) receive all exhibits at the conclusion of the proceeding; (4) accept and file electronic documents received from the defendant, if the clerk accepts electronic documents from an attorney representing the state; (5) accept and file digital multimedia evidence received from the defendant, if the clerk accepts digital multimedia evidence from an attorney representing the state; and. The criteria may include consideration of tax effort, financial hardship, available revenue, and budget surpluses. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 2.05. Texas Workers' Compensation Act in PDF format. Art. (a) In this article: (1) "Attorney representing the state" means a district attorney, a criminal district attorney, or a county attorney with criminal jurisdiction. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. June 17, 2011. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (c) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. January 1, 2021. Art. CONSERVATOR OF THE PEACE. 1, eff. When Stopped by Law Enforcement If you are stopped by law enforcement it is suggested you: 1. Art. Art. (d) A special ranger is not entitled to state benefits normally provided by the state to a peace officer. September 1, 2019. Sept. 1, 1999. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 386), Sec. 324 (S.B. 695, Sec. 2.06, eff. (6) perform all other duties imposed on the clerk by law. September 1, 2011. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 14, Sec. ATTORNEY PRO TEM. (b-1) added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. June 19, 2009. (a-1) In this section, "private school" means a school that: (1) offers a course of instruction for students in one or more grades from prekindergarten through grade 12; (2) is not operated by a governmental entity; and. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. (a) It is the duty of every peace officer to preserve the peace within the officer's jurisdiction. 262, Sec. (a) This article applies only to: (1) a municipal police department, sheriff's department, constable's office, county attorney's office, district attorney's office, and criminal district attorney's office, as applicable, in a county with a population of more than 50,000; and. 260, Sec. 534 (S.B. 2.06. (4) a procedure in which a specimen of the person's breath or blood is taken. September 1, 2019. 245), Sec. Art. 21.001(7), eff. DUTIES OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. June 16, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 1341 (S.B. 950 (S.B. 260 (H.B. 2, eff. 1172 (H.B. Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. (a) This article applies only to a defendant who, in connection with a previous conviction for an offense listed in Article 42A.054(a) or for which the judgment contains an affirmative finding under Article 42A.054(c) or (d): (1) received a sentence that included imprisonment at a facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and. RAILROAD PEACE OFFICERS. Art. REPORT AS TO PRISONERS. June 11, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 312), Sec. (a-1) A district clerk is exempt from the requirements of Subsections (a)(4) and (5) if the electronic filing system used by the clerk for accepting electronic documents or electronic digital media from an attorney representing the state does not have the capability of accepting electronic filings from a defendant and the system was established or procured before June 1, 2009. (e) A recording of a custodial interrogation that complies with this article is exempt from public disclosure as provided by Section 552.108, Government Code. 246, Sec. 686), Sec. (d) If an authenticating officer signs a document described in Subsection (a) of this article, the officer shall sign in the following manner: "__________, Authenticating Officer for Governor __________.". September 1, 2009. 402 (S.B. 2.33. 8 (S.B. (12) Section 43.25, Penal Code (sexual performance by a child). Art. September 1, 2017. (2) was subsequently released from the imprisonment, including a release on parole, to mandatory supervision, or following discharge of the defendant's sentence. May 18, 2013. Art. 979 (S.B. (c) Outside the boundaries of the tribe's reservation, a peace officer commissioned under this article is vested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities of peace officers and may arrest any person who violates any law of the state if the peace officer: (1) is summoned by another law enforcement agency to provide assistance; or. . September 1, 2011. 2.33. (4) the statutory authority under which the attachment was issued. June 19, 1983; Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 5303, ch. (5) the peace officer or agent of the law enforcement agency conducting the interrogation reasonably believed at the time the interrogation commenced that the person being interrogated was not taken into custody for or being interrogated concerning the commission of an offense listed in Subsection (b). He shall apprehend and commit to jail all offenders, until an examination or trial can be had.